Sidney Fire Department - Nebraska

06/20/2026

On Thursday during our regular fire department training, firefighters and Sidney EMS crews were put through a realistic scenario involving a vehicle crashing into a house.

Crews were tasked with stabilizing the structure while also extricating a patient from inside the vehicle using a combination of vehicle extrication techniques and structural support tactics. After completing the first scenario, the team transitioned into learning additional skills focused on limited-access extrication and structural stabilization.

While crews were still actively in the middle of training, the tones dropped for a real emergency—a semi on fire along the interstate—forcing an immediate shift from training mode to real-world response.

It’s a strong reminder of how quickly situations can change and how important it is to stay ready. You never know when the next call will come in.

Thank you to everyone who participated, and a special thank you to Little Tornado Towing for assisting with setup.

06/13/2026

The Sidney Volunteer Fire Department is always looking for community-minded individuals who want to make a difference. No prior experience is necessary. We provide the training, equipment, and opportunities to develop skills that can last a lifetime.

Being a volunteer firefighter is more than responding to emergencies. It’s serving your neighbors, building lifelong friendships, learning valuable skills, and helping protect the community we all call home.

If you’ve ever considered getting involved, now is the time. The future of emergency services in communities like ours depends on people willing to step up and serve.

Applications are available on the City of Sidney website under the Fire Department tab at cityofsidney.org. If you have questions about joining, feel free to contact the department or stop by the station and visit with us.

Volunteer firefighters are the backbone of rural America, but departments across the country are facing a growing challenge: fewer people are answering the call while emergency call volumes continue to increase.

Take a moment to read the article below about the nationwide volunteer firefighter shortage and why recruiting the next generation of firefighters is so important.

https://www.kotatv.com/2026/06/11/volunteer-firefighter-shortage-threatens-communities-nationwide/

Departments struggle to recruit as number of unpaid firefighters drops to lowest level since 1991

06/13/2026

All members have safely returned as of this afternoon from the South Fork Fire.

The South Fork Fire is now at 28,878 acres with 45% containment.

We are proud of the hard work and dedication shown by our firefighters during this deployment. They operated in challenging conditions alongside multiple agencies to help protect life and property.

We appreciate the continued support from our community while our personnel were away

06/11/2026

Four departments in region offering support

06/09/2026

At approximately 4:00 a.m. this morning, the Sidney Volunteer Fire Department responded to a reported fire near the intersection of County Road 109 and County Road 28.

Upon arrival, crews found an oil-filled tank actively burning. A local operator on scene was able to safely shut down the system prior to fire department operations. Firefighters then deployed foam to suppress and extinguish the fire.

Crews remained on scene until approximately 5:30 a.m., conducting overhaul operations to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and the tanks were adequately cooled.

No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is believed to be lightning associated with a storm system that moved through the area earlier this morning.

The Sidney Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank the assisting operator on scene for their quick actions in helping mitigate the incident.

05/30/2026

Today our department hosted the hands-on portion of a Basic Rope Rescue course, following Thursday’s classroom session.

Presented by the Nebraska State Fire Marshal Training Division, the course covered core technical rescue concepts including rope systems, patient packaging, and low- and high-angle operations.

Practical evolutions were completed at our training facilities, simulating industrial rescue scenarios, as well as in the bluffs to replicate rural and wilderness environments. Members operated mechanical advantage systems, performed edge transitions, and conducted hauling and lowering operations.

We were glad to have participation from members of Sidney, Chappell, and Bayard. Trainings like this improves coordination and strengthens our ability to manage complex rescue incidents safely and effectively.

Thank you to the instructors and all personnel who helped make this training a success.

05/28/2026

05/19/2026

It’s been a busy and productive weekend for our department!

From Friday through Sunday, several members attended the Nebraska State Fire School, building skills in everything from live fire operations and fire investigation to EMS and hazmat response.

Meanwhile, back home, our crews stayed ready responding to one wildland fire and two additional calls that fortunately were nothing serious.

Whether training or responding, our members continue to put in the work to serve this community. Great job by everyone involved!

05/16/2026

05/13/2026

We had the opportunity to welcome a couple classes from Kids Korner to the Sidney Volunteer Fire Department for a tour of the station. What made the visit truly special was their mission.

During the Week of the Young Child, these kids collected spare change and, in just one week, raised an incredible $950 to donate back to our department.

More important than the amount was the lesson behind it. They showed what it means to give, support others, and take pride in their community at a young age.

We’re grateful for their generosity and proud to serve a community that continues to emphasize the importance of giving back.

Thank you to Kids Korner families for your support, we appreciate you more than you know.

'Week of Young Child' change collection nets more than $900